Connector-free magnetic charger/winder

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for charging an electronic device include rotating a magnetically attractable element, or element, within the electronic device. Rotating a magnet external to the electronic device simultaneously rotates the element. Rotating the element causes an electrically generating device, such as a generator, to create an electric charge in the electronic device. The electric charge may be used to power the electrically generating device, or the electric charge may be transmitted to an internal power supply in order to charge another component or components. In another embodiment, the external magnet may wind a spring inside a device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.14/263,949, filed Apr. 28, 2014, of the same title, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for allpurposes.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to driving an element usingmagnets. In particular, the present embodiments relate to using amagnetic field to drive an element without physically contacting thedriven element.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices (phones, audio devices, laptops, calculators, etc.)and some mechanical devices (watches, windup toys, etc.) requirecyclical charging or winding. Winding a mechanical device generallyrequires winding a dial on an outer peripheral portion of the mechanicaldevice. The dial is connected to a rotor shaft which may, for example,wind a spring. Winding is generally done by a user manually exerting arotational force on the dial. This may be an inefficient method and alsomay be an unnecessary use of the user's energy.

Charging an electronic device generally requires connecting theelectronic device to an external power source in order to draw currentinto, for example, a component of the electronic device. A portelectrically connected to the component may receive a jack that iselectrically connected to the external power source. This may requireadditional space and/or several components in the electronic deviceassociated with charging. This may also limit the ability to reduce theoverall footprint of the device, particularly in a portable electronicdevice where it may be desirable to create a relatively small device. Inaddition, the enclosure may include an aperture in which the port isdisposed. The aperture allows ingress of dust, liquid, or othercontaminants to penetrate the electronic device and cause damage. It mayalso prevent creating a waterproof device.

Therefore, it may be desirable to charge or wind a component withoutdirect contact between two structures.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a non-contact method for charging a component in anelectronic device having a housing at least a portion of the housing isformed of a non-magnetic material is described. The method may includemagnetically coupling an internal drive mechanism and an external drivemechanism. The internal drive mechanism may be connected to a chargegenerator. The method may also include causing the internal drivemechanism to rotate. The method may also include generating an amount ofcharge in the charge generator in accordance with the rotation of theinternal drive mechanism. The method may also include passing at leastsome of the amount of charge to a charge storage device.

In another aspect, a portable electronic device having an enclosure isdescribed. The portable electronic device may include a rotating memberwithin the enclosure of the portable electronic device; the rotatingmember may include an element attracted to a rotating magnetic elementexternal to the enclosure. The portable electronic device may alsoinclude a charge generator within the enclosure that receives a portionof the rotating member. The charge generator is capable of creatingelectrical energy.

In another aspect, a method of winding a coil element within anenclosure, the coil element magnetically attracted to a magnet outsidethe enclosure, is described. The method may include rotating the magnet,the rotating the magnet causes the coil element to wind from a firstconfiguration having a first length to a second configuration having asecond length, the second length less than the first length.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an isometric view of a first memberproximate to a device having a second member;

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the embodiment in FIG. 1, further showingfirst magnet having magnet flux lines;

FIG. 5 shows cross sectional of another embodiment of a first memberproximate to a device having a second member, the second member being amagnet;

FIGS. 6-9 show embodiments of an external magnet and an internalelement;

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of an isometric view of another embodimentof a first member proximate to a device having a second member, thefirst member being an electromagnet;

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a portable electronic device having aninternal vibrational motor being actuated by an external magnet;

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate embodiments of a device having an internalenergy generating component;

FIGS. 14 and 15 show an embodiment of a timepiece having an spring beingactuated by an external magnet;

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a clutch assembly configured tolimit torque to a component in an electronic device; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for non-contactcharging of an electronic device in accordance with the describedembodiments.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, accordingto common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below arenot necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various featuresand elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearlyillustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodimentsillustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatthe following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments toone preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included withinthe spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by theappended claims.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordancewith the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are describedin sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice thedescribed embodiments, it is understood that these examples are notlimiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the describedembodiments.

This disclosure presents a method of charging or winding a device usinga rotational magnetic field. In particular, a component within thedevice may be rotated by a magnetic field generated externally withrespect to the device. The device may include a rotor coupled to anelectric generator. The rotational magnetic field causes the rotor torotate within the electric generator allowing the electric generator tocreate electrical energy which may be stored by an internal power supplyor transmitted to another component within the device. In anotherdevice, a rotational magnetic field may also rotate a spring disposedwithin the device. The spring may be a torsion spring and the device maybe a timepiece. Rotating the torsional spring corresponds to actuatingcomponents within the timepiece so the timepiece may monitor time.

The rotational magnetic field may be associated with a charging orwinding station external to the device. The winding or charging stationmay be configured to spin a “master” rotor. The master rotor is anexternal drive mechanism magnetically coupled with a “slave” rotor, thatis, the rotor within the device. The slave rotor is associated with aninternal drive mechanism configured to wind or charge the device.

The slave rotor may be made from a partially ferrous material such assuch as iron, nickel, or steel (including 304 and 400 series stainlesssteel). The slave rotor may also be a magnet. In all embodiments, it isimportant that a magnetic circuit be closed at least momentarily suchthat the master rotor may rotate the slave. In some embodiments, themaster rotor may be a non-ferrous conductive metal wrapped in aconductive wire. A current passing through the conductive wire maycreate eddy current forces that are used to couple the master rotor tothe slave rotor.

For purposes of clarity, the term “longitudinal” as used throughout thisdetailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending alength or major axis of a component. For example, a master shaft mayrotate around a longitudinal axis the master shaft. Also, the term“plunge” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claimsrefers winding a spring such that the spring contracts (or coils). Forexample, rotating a spring at one end while holding the other endstationary may cause the spring to contract. Also, the phrase “samedirection” refers to the slave rotor (which may include a magnet,spring, or ferrous element) mirroring the rotational movement of themaster rotor (which may include a magnet).

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-16. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is forexplanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. SomeFigures may include enlarged structures to show detail and as a result,some Figures illustrate structures that are not in proportion to otherstructures.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a device 100 having enclosure 120 which includesside wall 121 and back plate 122. Device 100 could be any devicepreviously described. Also, device 100 may include a display (not shown)configured to display visual content from device 100.

First member 101 is external with respect to the enclosure 120 andsecond member 111 is disposed within the enclosure. First member 101includes first shaft 103 and first magnet 105 attached to first shaft103. First shaft 103 may be coupled to any rotary device (not shown)configured to rotate first shaft 103 around longitudinal axis 180 offirst shaft 103. Because first shaft 103 is an external shaft associatedwith driving an internal shaft or element within device 100, first shaft103 corresponds to a “master” rotor as previously discussed. Also, firstshaft 103 is generally cylindrical, but could take the shape of anydevice generally known to rotate with a rotary device. First shaft 103may be made from a metallic material that may or may not be attracted tomagnets. Also, first shaft 103 may be made of any rigid materialconfigured receive a torque and transmit the torque to first magnet 105.First member 101 may create a rotational magnetic field when rotatedabout longitudinal axis 180. In other embodiments, first shaft 103 mayalso be a magnet configured to couple to a shaft or magneticallyattractive element within a device. Accordingly, first member 101 mayonly include first shaft 103.

A magnet includes two (magnetic) polarities commonly referred to as a“north pole” and a “south pole.” In FIG. 1, first magnet 105 includes atleast a first pole 107 and a second pole 109. First pole 107 and secondpole 109 are of different polarities. For example, first pole 107 couldbe a north pole and second pole 109 could be a south pole. First magnet105 also includes a magnetic field (discussed later). In someembodiments, first magnet 105 includes an array of polarity patternshaving two or more “north poles” and two or more “south poles” on thetop surface of first magnet 105 and on the bottom surface of firstmagnet 105. This may create several magnetic flux lines (discussedlater) extending from the north poles to south poles on first magnet 105in order to achieve a desired magnetic field.

First magnet 105 is generally configured to create magnetic attractionof at least one component within device 100. Also, in some embodiments,first magnet 105 is a three-, four-, or five-sided structure. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first magnet is generally roundedstructure. Also, in some embodiments, the size of first magnet 105 islarger to increase the magnet field induced by first magnet 105. Inother embodiments, the size of first magnet 105 is smaller to reduce themagnetic field such that other components in the device are notmagnetically attracted to first magnet 105. In some embodiments, firstmagnet 105 is an electromagnetic (discussed later). In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first magnet 105 is a permanent magnet. Also, itshould be understood that first magnet 105 rotates with first shaft 103.

FIG. 1 also illustrates second member 111 includes second shaft 113 andelement 115 attached to second shaft 113. Second shaft 113 may be of asimilar structure and material as previously described for first shaft103. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, element 115 is a metal havingsufficient ferrous material, or a combination of ferrous materials, tobe magnetically attracted to first magnet 105 when element 115 is withina certain distance of first magnet 105. “Magnetically attracted,” inthis instance, refers to element 115 having a ferrous material with theopposite polarity as that of first magnet 105. In other embodiments(discussed later), element 115 is a magnet. Also, element 115 may have asimilar shape as that of any structure previously described for firstmagnet 105.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show cross sectional views of device 100 and first member101 illustrating the relationship required for first member 101 actuatesecond member 111. Back plate 122 has been removed for clarity. Magneticflux lines 130 represent a closed magnetic circuit which, when element115 is within magnetic flux lines 130, allows second member 111 tomagnetically couple with first member 101. FIG. 2 shows first member 101positioned a distance from device 100 such that element 115 (made from aferrous material, discussed below) is not within magnetic flux lines 130of first magnet 105. Accordingly, second member 111 is not actuated bythe rotational magnetic field of first member 101.

However, as shown in FIG. 3, when first member 101 is positioned withina distance from device 100 such that element 115 is within magnetic fluxlines 130 of first magnet 105, second member 111 is within therotational magnetic field of first member 101. Second member 111 may nowrotate in the same direction as first member 101. Further, element 115rotates in the same direction (and approximately the same angularvelocity) as first magnet 105. In other words, element 115 mirrors therotational movement of first magnet 105. It should be understood thatsecond shaft 113 also moves rotationally with element 115. Becausesecond shaft 113 is associated with being driven an external shaft (suchas first shaft 113), second shaft 113 corresponds to a “slave” rotor aspreviously discussed. Second shaft 113 may be coupled to an internalcomponent in the device 100 configured to generate electrical energy.For example, second shaft 113 may be disposed inside a generator (notshown) such that when second shaft 113 rotates, electrical energy may beproduced (discussed later). Second shaft 113 could also be coupled to avibrational motor (or, “vibe” motor) such that when second shaft 113rotates, electrical energy may be produced and stored within thevibrational motor.

Some magnetic flux lines 130 in FIGS. 2 and 3 are removed to show otherdetails. FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of first magnet 105 havingmagnetic flux lines 130 generally extending around the entirecircumference of first magnet 105. Generally, the distance that magneticflux lines extend away from a magnet is proportional to the size andstrength of the magnet.

Referring again to FIG. 3, side wall 121 and back plate 122 aregenerally made from magnetically neutral materials. In other words, sidewall 121 and back plate 122 do not substantially affect magnetic fluxlines between first magnet 105 and element 115, thereby allowingmagnetic flux lines 130 to pass through side wall 121. For example, sidewall 121 and back plate 122 could be made of a polymeric material,plastic, or a combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, side wall 121 hasa thickness 140. Also, a first surface of first magnet 105 is separatedby distance 141 from a first surface of side wall 121 and a firstsurface of element 115 is separated by a distance 142 from a secondsurface of side wall 121. Distance 141, thickness 140 of side wall 121,and/or distance 142 may generally be of any dimension such that element115 is within the magnetic flux lines 130 of first magnet 105 (as shownin FIG. 2) when a user desires to mechanically rotate element 115 usingfirst magnet 105. It should be understood that first magnet 105 iscapable of mechanically actuating element 115 without any physicalcontact between first magnet 105 and element 115, and without firstmagnet or element 115 contacting side wall 121. Also, reference tocomponents within a device in this detailed description implies thecomponents are sufficient small enough to fit within the device. Forexample, an electrically generating component has a dimension smallerthan the height of a side wall of a device.

Also, FIGS. 1-3 show first magnet 105 and element 115 havingsubstantially the same shape and size. In some embodiments, first magnet105 is larger than element. In other embodiments, first member 105 issmaller than element 115. Also, in some embodiments, first magnet 105and element 115 do not have the same shape.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to dispose a component furtheraway from a side wall of a device in order to, for example, to positionthe component toward a central portion within the device. As such, themagnetic flux lines 130 of first magnet 105 previously described may beinsufficient to form an attractive force of sufficient strength tomagnetically attract element 115. In this case, it may be desirable forelement 115 to be a magnet. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, device200 includes second member 211 which includes second shaft 213 attachedto element 215. In this embodiment, element 215 is a second magnet. Asshown in FIG. 4, magnetic flux lines 230 are resultant magnetic fluxlines of first magnet 105 and element 215. This allows element 215 to bemagnetically attracted to first magnet 105 at a greater distance thatthe previous embodiment. For example, a first surface of first magnet105 is separated by a distance 241 from a first surface of side wall 221having thickness 240, and a first surface of element 215 is separated bya distance 242 from a second surface of side wall 221. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 5, distance 241, thickness 240, and distance 242 may eachbe greater than distance 141, thickness 140, and distance 142 (shown inFIG. 2). Nonetheless, first shaft 103 of first member 101 is stillcapable of mechanically rotating second shaft 213 of second member 211in a similar manner described in the previous embodiment.

In other embodiments, first member 101 may only include first shaft 103and second member 211 may only include second shaft 213, where firstshaft 103 and second shaft 213 are both magnets. In this manner, firstmember 101 and second member 211 may both be smaller in size, yet firstshaft 103 may still mechanically drive second shaft 213 through combinedmagnetic field lines.

Although magnets and (internal) elements previously shown are generallycircular, magnets and elements described may include a variety ofshapes. For example, FIGS. 6-9 illustrate various embodiments that maybe either a magnet (external to a device) or an element (within thedevice). Each structure shown in FIGS. 6-9 is configured to receive arotatable shaft similar to those previously described. FIG. 6 shows anisometric side view of an embodiment of structure 191 having atriangular shape on a surface. The triangular shape may, for example, bepartially received by a component having a corresponding triangularshape thereby allowing structure to be partially nested within thecomponent and create additional space within a device. FIG. 7 shows anisometric side view of an embodiment of structure 193 having a narrow,cylindrical body which may also be partially nested in a componenthaving a corresponding cylindrical shape. FIG. 8 shows an isometric sideview of an embodiment of structure 193 having a concave surface on oneend. The concave shape may, for example, allow additional space forother components within a device. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-8 maybe made from any material previously described for a magnet or anelement. Also, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-8 generally include acircular bottom surface. In some embodiments, structure 191, structure192, and/or structure 193 may include a bottom surface having a three-,four-, or five-sided surface.

FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of structure 194 havingan asymmetric shape. Structure 194 is generally associated with avibrational motor and may be made from a relatively dense metal. Whenrotated, the eccentric mass of structure 194 may cause the body of thevibrational motor to experience movement, thereby creating a vibrationaleffect in, for example, an electronic device.

It may also be desirable to vary the attractive field of an elementexternal to a device, thereby allowing the element to selectivelyattract certain components within the device. FIG. 10 illustrateselectromagnetic member 301, or simply member 301, configured tomechanically actuate second member 311 within device 300 by using anattractive field. Member 301 is configured to rotate around longitudinalaxis 180 in a manner similar to that of first shaft 103 (shown in FIG.1). Member 301 may include coil element 303 connected to power source310. Coil element 303 generally includes several coils made from anelectrically conductive material (for example, copper). In otherembodiments, coil element 303 may include several additional coils.Also, in some embodiments, an exterior portion of coil element 303 maybe covered with an insulating material configured to prevent currentfrom dissipating from coil element 303. Power source 310 is configuredto generate current through coil element 303.

Within enclosure 320, device 300 includes second member 311 havingelement 315 connected to shaft 313. Element 315 is generally amagnetically attractable structure, and may be substantially similar toelement 115 (shown in FIG. 1) or element 215 (shown in FIG. 2). Also,element 315 may have a substantially similar shape and size as that ofany element previously described for element 115. Also, shaft 313 may beof any shape and size previously described for second shaft 113. In someembodiments, second member 311 includes only a shaft 313 that includes asufficient amount of ferrous material (or materials) to be attracted tomember 301. When current passes through coil element 303, anelectromagnetic field 330 may form. Side wall 321 is made from amaterial that does not substantially interfere with electromagneticfield 330. When first member 301 traverses in a direction toward secondmember 311 such that element 315 is within electromagnetic field 330,resultant electromagnetic forces, such as eddy currents (not shown), mayform between electromagnetic field 330 and element 315 thereby givingelectromagnetic field 330 magnetically attractive properties. As aresult, member 301 rotating around longitudinal axis 280 of coil element303 may mechanically actuate second shaft 313 of second member 311 in asubstantially rotational manner around longitudinal axis 280. It shouldbe understood that second shaft 313 may perform similar functions asthat of second shaft 113 (shown in FIG. 1) or second shaft 213 (shown inFIG. 2).

In another embodiment not shown, electromagnet 301 may be in astationary position. “Stationary” in this instance refers to norotational movement. However, when electromagnet traverses in adirection toward element 315 such that element 315 is withinelectromagnetic field 330, eddy currents may nonetheless form betweenelectromagnetic field 330 and element 315. Further, eddy currents maycreate a rotational magnetic field capable of rotationally drivingelement.

Some devices may be used in environments containing dust or othercontaminants. As such, it may be useful to fully enclose the device toprevent or limit ingress of dust or other contaminants. Further, a fullyenclosed device may be capable of being submerged under a liquidsubstance such as water. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, device 400includes enclosure 420 having a side wall 421 connected to back plate422. Side wall 421 and back plate 422 may be made of any materialdescribed in previous embodiments having a side wall and a back plate. Adisplay (not shown) is coupled to side wall 421. Also, side wall 421 andback plate 422 do not include any apertures thereby reducing theprobability of ingress. In order to charge certain components in anelectronic device, first magnet 105, described previously, may berotated by rotary device 102 which may include an internal motor (notshown). In some embodiments, rotary device 102 may be configured torotate a shaft within a range of angular velocities.

In FIG. 11, first magnet 105 is rotated near device 400 in order tocharge a component 450. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, component450 is a vibrational motor. Component 450 includes a vibrational head452 having a similar shape to structure 194 shown in FIG. 9. Vibrationalhead 452 may be made from any ferrous material, or a combination offerrous materials, previously described. Once vibrational head 452 iswithin the magnetic flux lines (not shown) of first magnet 105,vibrational head 452 may be configured to rotate when first magnet 105is rotating. In particular, vibrational head 452 mirrors the rotationalmovement of first magnet 105. It should also be noted that device 400does not include any buttons or ports proximate to enclosure 420. A portassociated with charging a traditional device may be replaced bycharging means described herein. Also, device 400 may be controlled by acontrols displayed from a touchscreen display (not shown). However, inother embodiments, a button and/or a port may be engaged with enclosure420.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate alternate embodiments of device 500 having anelectrical energy generating component configured to create electricalenergy for another internal component. The enclosure of device 500 couldbe substantially similar to that of the device shown in FIG. 11. Also,side wall 521 and back plate 522 may be made of any material describedin previous embodiments having a side wall and a back plate.

In FIG. 12, generator 550 includes element 555 attached to shaft 513.Element 555 and shaft 513 may be made from any materials previouslydescribed for element 115 and shaft 113, respectively. Also, in otherembodiments, shaft 513 may be a magnet and element 555 may not beincluded. Element 555 is configured to mirror the rotational movement offirst magnet 105 when first magnet 105 and first shaft 103 are rotatedby rotary device 102, and further when element 555 is within themagnetic flux lines (not shown) of first magnet 105. Shaft 513 isconfigured to rotate within generator 550 such that generator 550 mayproduce electrical energy. Generator 550 is configured to create directcurrent (“DC”) that may be stored in an internal power supply 560 (forexample, a battery) coupled to generator 550 via a conductive element570 (such as a wire). Internal power supply 560 may be electricallyconnected to one or several components in device 500 requiringelectrical energy.

In some embodiments, it may be more efficient, or even necessary, tocreate electrical energy as an alternating current (“AC”). In theembodiment shown in, FIG. 13, generator 551 is an AC generator disposedwithin device 500. Rotary device 1002 having first shaft 1003 attachedto first magnet 1005. Rotary device 1002 is configured to rotate shaft1003 in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the firstdirection. For example, the first direction could be a clockwiserotation and the second direction could be a counter-clockwise rotation.Accordingly, first magnet 1005 may also rotate in a similar manner asthat of first shaft 1003. Further, rotary device 1002 may oscillatebetween the first direction and the second direction in a rapid manner.

Generator 551 includes shaft 513 and element 555, both of which areconfigured to rotate in the same direction an approximately the sameangular velocity as first magnet 1005. Oscillation of rotary device 1002corresponds to oscillation of shaft 513 within generator 551. In orderto create AC, generator 551 is configured to create a positive charge,Q+, when shaft 513 is rotated in the first direction, and a negativecharge, Q−, when shaft 513 is rotated in the second direction. In otherembodiments, generator 551 creates a negative charge in the firstdirection, and a positive charge in the second direction. AC may passfrom generator 551 to rectifier 557 via first conductive element 571.Rectifier 557 is configured to convert AC to DC. DC may be passed fromrectifier 557 to internal power supply 560 via second conductive element572.

The electrical charge created may be proportional to the rotationalspeed or angular velocity of the shaft. For example, increasing power arotary device 102 or rotary device 1002 corresponds to increasingrotational speed of the shafts of the respective rotary devices. Inturn, the electrical charge produced within generator 550 or generator551 may also increase. It may be useful, therefore, to increase ordecrease rotary device 102 or rotary device 1002 in order to achieve adesired electrical charge. For example, rapid charging of an internalpower supply may be useful to reduce charging time. Also, some devicesmay include additional components which may then require additionalcharging time. For example, a tablet computing device may requireadditional charging time as compared a mobile device. By rotating agenerator in the tablet computing device at a higher speed, the tabletcomputing device may be able to charge (or recharge) in the same amountof time as the mobile device.

While an external rotating magnet may produce electrical energy asdescribed, an external rotating magnet may also rotate other componentsconfigured to generate mechanical energy. Further, an external rotatingmagnet may be able to plunge a component in a direction away from themagnet. For example, FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate rotary device 102rotating first shaft 103 and first magnet 105 configured to wind aspring 615 in a timepiece 600. Timepiece 600, as shown in FIG. 12, is awatch. Spring 615 is generally made of any ferrous material, orcombination of ferrous materials, previously described. For purposes ofclarity, several components have been removed from timepiece 600 inFIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 shows spring 615 within the magnetic flux lines(not shown) of first magnet 105. As shown in FIG. 14, when first magnet105 is rotated, spring 615 mirrors the rotational movement if firstmagnet 105. In addition, spring 615 is configured to wind, and whendoing so, spring 615 winds in a direction away from first magnet 105.This winding action may be similar to winding a traditional timepieceusing a dial located near an outer surface of a timepiece. However, inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, timepiece 600 is free ofexternal rotating components that require apertures to couple withinternal components, thereby reducing the probability of ingress. Itshould be noted that wall 621 and back plate 622 may be made of anymaterial described in previous embodiments having a side wall and a backplate.

In some embodiments, a spring or other component within a device mayhave a similar polarity to that of an external magnet. When the magneticflux lines approach the spring, the spring may magnetically repel theexternal magnet. This is another method of actuating an internalcomponent using an external magnet. However, as described, there is noneed for rotational movement of the external magnet or the spring.

In additional to rotational or plunging movement, an element havingmagnetically attractable properties as previously described and disposedwith a device may traverse laterally in a direction in response to amagnetic field created by an external magnet external. For example, anexternal magnet may be able to move along a side wall of a devicewithout rotational movement. In response to the movement of the externalmagnet, an element within magnetic flux lines of an external magnet maymirror the movement of the external magnet to the extent the elementdoes not come into contact with other components within the device. Thislateral movement of the component may be useful to calibrate anothercomponent or to restore a displaced component.

Also, some embodiments described could be used for clockingapplications. For example, a magnet external to a device could berotated at regularly occurring pulses with a resultant rotation anelement or component inside the device at the same regularly occurringpulses. This application could be used to monitor time without using aregular timekeeping device (such as a watch).

A rotary tool used to rotationally drive an external magnet may becapable of doing so in a range of torques. Accordingly, the externalmagnet may be driven at various speeds. Some speeds may be undesirablefor certain internal components of a device. For example, a generator ina device that is driven at a substantially high speed may produce moreelectrical energy than is required. This may leave some componentsvulnerable to additional, unwanted charge that may cause damage to thecomponents. Also, a mechanical device such as a spring may receiveunnecessary torque that could lead to breaking the spring and/or acomponent coupled to the spring. In order to prevent this issue, FIG. 16illustrates a cross section of a clutch assembly 700 configured tocouple with an internal shaft of a device as well as a componentconfigured to receive a torque (for example, a generator). Clutchassembly 700 is configured to limit torque received from rotationalmovement from an external magnet. Clutch assembly 700 could be used inat least some embodiments previously described.

As shown in FIG. 16, clutch assembly 700 includes receiving end 710configured to receive second shaft 213 coupled to element 215 havingmagnetically attractable properties as previously described. Secondshaft 213 may be secured to clutch assembly 700 by fastening member 720and a tightening member 730 through friction pad 740. An inner surfaceof friction pad 740 engages an outer surface of second shaft 213. Anouter surface of friction pad 740 further engages several ring elements745 coupled to pins 747, both of which are configured to rotate withfriction pad 740. Pins 747 engage housing member 749 and coupling end750, both of which are configured to rotate with friction pad 740. Insome embodiments, coupling end 750 is configured to engage a componentinside the device. In other embodiments, coupling end 750 engages, andsubsequently rotates, a shaft.

Friction pad 740 is configured to limit the amount of torque transmittedfrom second shaft 213 to coupling end 750. For example, if second shaft213 rotates above a predetermined angular velocity (corresponding to apredetermined torque), friction pad 740 will “slip” during rotationuntil second shaft 213 rotates at or below the predetermined angularvelocity. In other words, friction pad 740 will rotate at a lowerangular velocity than that of second shaft 213. Accordingly, couplingend 750 will rotate at an angular velocity less than that of secondshaft 213 (or conversely, at an angular velocity substantially similarto that of friction pad 740). In other embodiments, friction pad 740 maybe configured to release from second shaft 213 when second shaft 213 isrotated above the predetermined angular velocity. Accordingly, couplingend 750 ceases to rotate until second shaft 213 rotates at or below thepredetermined angular velocity where friction pad 740 may re-engage withsecond shaft 213.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flow chart 1000 for a non-contact method forproviding power to a component disposed in an electronic device. Theelectronic device includes a housing, at least part of which is formedby non-magnetic material. In a first step 1001, a rotating magneticfield is magnetically coupled with a charge generator positioned withinthe housing. The rotating magnetic field originates externally withrespect to the electronic device, and at least some of the rotatingmagnetic field passes through the non-magnetic portion of the housing.In another step 1004, an amount of charge by the charge generator isgenerated in accordance with the coupled rotating magnetic field (thatis, the rotating magnetic field and the charge generator coupled to therotating magnetic field). As stated earlier, the amount of chargegenerated is proportional to the rotational speed of a rotor shaftdisposed partially within the charge generator. In another step 1006, atleast some of the amount of charge is passed to the component from thecharge generator.

The embodiments shown in the foregoing illustrations may componentscapable of rotation in, for example, a clockwise direction. In otherembodiments, the rotational direction may be counter-clockwise in orderto achieve a desired effect.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specificembodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustrationand description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations arepossible in view of the above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-contact method of winding a coil elementformed of electrically conductive material within an enclosure of aportable electronic device, the non-contact method comprising: rotatinga magnetic element external to the enclosure to define a rotatingmagnetic field that passes through a non-magnetic portion of theenclosure; and magnetically coupling the magnetic element with the coilelement to cause the coil element to wind in accordance with therotating magnetic field, wherein winding of the coil element causes across-sectional area of the coil element to change from a firstcross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area that is less thanthe first cross-sectional area so that potential energy stored in thecoil element is convertible to electrical energy that is transmitted toa charge generator that is included within the enclosure.
 2. Thenon-contact method of claim 1, wherein the coil element is substantiallyfree of contact from the magnetic element while winding the coilelement.
 3. The non-contact method of claim 1, wherein the coil elementrotates in a substantially similar direction as the rotating magneticfield.
 4. The non-contact method of claim 1, wherein the coil elementrotates according to a predetermined regular interval.
 5. Thenon-contact method of claim 1, wherein the electrical energy is storedby the charge generator.
 6. The non-contact method of claim 1, whereinthe second cross-sectional area corresponds to a greater amount of thepotential energy stored in the coil element than the firstcross-sectional area.
 7. The non-contact method of claim 1, wherein anamount of the electrical energy is proportional to an amount of thepotential energy stored in the coil element.
 8. A portable electronicdevice having an enclosure that defines an internal cavity, the portableelectronic device comprising: a coil element that is disposed within theinternal cavity and is configured to rotate in response to an externallyapplied rotating magnetic field, wherein rotation of the coil elementcauses a cross-sectional area of the coil element to change from a firstcross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area that is less thanthe first cross-sectional area; and a charge generator disposed withinthe internal cavity, wherein the charge generator creates electricalenergy based on rotation of the coil element.
 9. The portable electronicdevice of claim 8, wherein the charge generator is coupled to aninternal drive mechanism.
 10. The portable electronic device of claim 8,wherein the externally applied rotating magnetic field is generated by arotating magnetic element that is external to the enclosure.
 11. Theportable electronic device of claim 9, wherein the charge generator iscomprised of ferrous material that is magnetically attractable to theinternal drive mechanism.
 12. The portable electronic device of claim 8,further comprising: a power supply that is included within theenclosure, wherein the power supply is configured to receive theelectrical energy.
 13. The portable electronic device of claim 8,wherein the second cross-sectional area corresponds to a greater amountof potential energy stored in the coil element than the firstcross-sectional area.
 14. An electronic device that includes acontact-free charging mechanism, the electronic device comprising: ahousing including an interface region that is included between amagnetic element that is external to the housing and a coil element thatis disposed within an interior cavity of the housing, wherein the coilelement is configured to rotate in a substantially similar direction asan externally applied rotating magnetic field generated by the magneticelement; and a charge generator that is coupled to the coil element andis disposed within the interior cavity, wherein the charge generatorcreates electrical energy based on rotation of the coil element.
 15. Theelectronic device of claim 14, wherein the charge generator is coupledto an internal drive mechanism.
 16. The electronic device of claim 14,wherein rotation of the coil element causes a cross-sectional area ofthe coil element to change between a first cross-sectional area to asecond cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectionalarea.
 17. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the coil element iscomprised of a ferrous material.
 18. The electronic device of claim 14,further comprising: a power supply that is included within the interiorcavity, wherein the power supply is configured to receive the electricalenergy.
 19. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the coil elementrotates proportionately relative to the externally applied rotatingmagnetic field.
 20. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein thehousing is comprised of a magnetically neutral material.